Enclosure apparatus, system and method

Abstract

An enclosure apparatus comprises a single receptacle comprising a patch member connected to electrical equipment in a remote location and at least one communication device. The communication device may comprise a microprocessor for processing data received from the electrical equipment in the remote location. The enclosure apparatus is often used in connection with building automation equipment.

1. An enclosure apparatus comprising:
 a single receptacle comprising a base member mountable to a building structure and walls connected to the base member; 
 a patch member positioned within the single receptacle and rotatably connected to the base member via at least one hinge, the patch member connectable to at least one data cable, the at least one data cable entering the single receptacle from a first location remote therefrom; and 
 at least one communication device positioned within the single receptacle, the communication device connected to the patch member via at least one patch cable, wherein the communication device receives data from the first location via the patch member, processes the received data using an internal microprocessor, and transmits a communication based at least in part on the processed data to one or more devices positioned at a second location remote from the enclosure apparatus and the first location. 
 
   
   
     2. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the walls defines an opening comprising a vent. 
   
   
     3. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a grounding stud is secured to at least one of the walls. 
   
   
     4. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting device positioned within the receptacle, the mounting device for receiving and carrying the communication device. 
   
   
     5. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the communication device comprises at least one of a controller and a sensor. 
   
   
     6. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the patch member comprises at least one electrical connector comprising at least one of coaxial connectors, D-subminiature connectors, punchdown connectors, optical fiber connectors and rack-mounted modular ethernet connectors. 
   
   
     7. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second location comprises building automation equipment selected from the group consisting of heating and cooling equipment, physical access control equipment, fire detection equipment, video surveillance equipment, lighting equipment and time-related equipment. 
   
   
     8. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 1 , Farther comprising a cable separator comprising a barrier wall positioned between the patch member and the communication device. 
   
   
     9. An enclosure apparatus comprising:
 a single receptacle comprising a base member mountable to a building structure and walls connected to the base member; 
 a patch member positioned within the single receptacle, the patch member connectable to at least one data cable, the at least one data cable entering the single receptacle from a first location remote therefrom; and 
 at least one communication device positioned within the single receptacle, the communication device connectable to the patch member, wherein the communication device receives data from the first location, processes the received data using an internal microprocessor, and transmits a communication based at least in pan on the processed data to one or more devices positioned at a second location remote from the enclosure apparatus and the first location. 
 
   
   
     10. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the communication device is a controller or a sensor and the one or more devices in the second location comprise building automation equipment. 
   
   
     11. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the patch member is rotatably connected to the base member via at least one hinge. 
   
   
     12. The enclosure apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the communication device is connected to the patch member via at least one patch cable.